Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls, you’re going to adore this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe. Imagine soft, fluffy rolls swirled with a luscious strawberry filling and finished with a creamy, tangy glaze that melts in your mouth. I absolutely love how this recipe balances sweetness and fruitiness—it’s the perfect treat for weekend brunch or a cozy afternoon snack. Stick around, because I’ll share all the tips that make these rolls nothing short of fan-freaking-tastic.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together seamlessly to create soft, fluffy dough and a rich, flavorful filling and glaze. When shopping, pick fresh or frozen strawberries depending on the season, and always use softened butter and cream cheese for smooth textures.

• Warm milk: Helps activate the yeast and creates a tender dough.
• Instant dry yeast: Quick to rise and reliable for fluffy rolls.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of your dough for that perfect chewiness.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens both dough and filling just right.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Large egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
• Unsalted butter: Softened and mixed into both dough and glaze for creaminess.
• Fresh or frozen strawberries: Fresh adds vibrant flavor, frozen works great if fresh aren’t available.
• Lemon juice: Adds brightness and makes the filling taste fresh.
• Cream cheese: The secret to that dreamy, tangy glaze.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze and helps it become silky smooth.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the cream cheese glaze with warm notes.
• Strawberry puree: From the filling, this gives the glaze its lovely color and strawberry flavor.

Variations

While I love this recipe as is, I like to switch things up depending on the season or who’s joining me for breakfast. Feel free to personalize — that’s half the fun!

• Filling swaps: Sometimes I add finely chopped fresh mint or basil to the strawberry filling—it brightens the flavor and surprises guests.
• Glaze options: Swap out part of the cream cheese for mascarpone for a richer glaze or add a splash of bourbon for grown-up brunch vibes.
• Diet-friendly twists: Use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a lower-GI variation, or almond flour to tweak the dough texture.
• Extra texture: Sprinkle crushed pistachios or slivered almonds on top before glazing for a nutty crunch my family goes crazy for.

How to Make Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Create the luscious strawberry filling

Start by cooking your strawberries with fresh lemon juice and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and let it thicken into a jam-like texture—this usually takes about 10 minutes. I like to blend it smooth with an immersion blender so the filling is silky and spreads easily without lumps. Once it’s cooled completely in the fridge, it’s ready to become the star inside your cinnamon rolls.

Step 2: Knead the dough to tender perfection

Mix the dry ingredients in your mixer: flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Then add warm milk, egg, and softened butter. Knead on medium speed for about 5 to 7 minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic—when it pulls slightly away from the bowl sides, you know it’s just right. Cover it and let it rise for around 2 hours in a warm spot until it doubles in size. I usually warm my oven slightly, then turn it off and leave the dough inside—perfect proofing warmth!

Step 3: Roll, fill, and slice like a pro

Dust your surface with flour and roll the dough into a big rectangle (16×12 inches). Spread that gorgeous strawberry filling evenly, leaving a small border at one long edge. Then, starting at the opposite long edge, roll it tightly but gently into a log. Taking your time here pays off with prettier swirls. Cut the log into 12 even slices using a sharp knife or unflavored floss—floss is how I get perfect cuts without squashing the rolls.

Step 4: Let rise again and bake until golden

Place your cinnamon roll slices in a greased baking dish, spreading them out with a little breathing room. Cover and let them puff up again for about 30 minutes to an hour—keep an eye on them so they don’t overproof. While they’re rising, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Then bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and springy. When out of the oven, let them cool slightly so the glaze spreads nicely without melting away.

Step 5: Whip up the dreamy cream cheese glaze

Mix softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cold strawberry puree until smooth and creamy. This glaze is the finishing touch—its pink hue hints at the incredible strawberry-y flavor inside. Spread it generously on warm rolls; I promise, spreading the glaze while the rolls are warm makes it seep just enough to create those melt-in-your-mouth pockets of flavor.

How to Serve Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping the glazed rolls with fresh sliced strawberries or a sprinkle of finely chopped mint for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes just a dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty, delicate finish. These little touches make your presentation shine, especially when serving guests.

Side Dishes

Pair these strawberry cinnamon rolls with a simple green salad or fresh fruit bowl for a balanced brunch. I also like serving them alongside a hot cup of coffee or a glass of homemade lemonade—the refreshing contrast complements the sweet rolls perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or holidays, I’ve arranged these rolls in a circular pattern on a cake stand, drizzled with extra glaze and sprinkled with edible rose petals or crushed nuts. It instantly becomes a gorgeous centerpiece that’s almost too pretty to eat. Almost.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover glazed rolls at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days—warm them gently before eating. For unglazed rolls, the fridge works well for up to five days; just add glaze fresh when you’re ready to serve. I used to worry about them drying out, but a sealed container keeps them soft and tasty.

Freezing

Freezing these rolls is a lifesaver for busy weeks. I freeze the unbaked, sliced rolls arranged in the pan, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil. When I want fresh rolls, I thaw overnight in the fridge and bake the next morning. You can also freeze fully baked unglazed rolls—the glaze is best made fresh after reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 320°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes, loosely covered with foil to prevent drying. Microwave works in a pinch, but I find the oven keeps that soft, fresh-baked texture. Add glaze right after reheating for that extra special touch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I’m truly excited for you to try this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that brings everyone to the kitchen for seconds (and thirds!). I remember the first time I made them, the smell alone felt like a warm hug, and the combination of soft dough, sweet strawberries, and silky glaze just stole my heart. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a treat-yourself moment, these cinnamon rolls never disappoint. So grab your apron, get hands-on, and enjoy every sweet, strawberry-filled bite—you’ll be so glad you did!

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